Salon of Distinction: Mizu, Boston

Mizu Boston, Massachusetts
mizuboston.com Owners: Michael Barsamian, Elan Sassoon Salon established: October 2008 Salon style: Modern, elegant, unique Square footage: 3,000 Styling stations: 18 Treatment rooms: 0
Equipment: Maletti Furniture: Maletti, RG Shakour Total design investment: $1.9 million Top retail lines: Kerastase, Shu Uemura, Aveda
Architect: Niall McLaughlin Architects

Judges comments: “Beautiful, modern, simple and clean.” — Clodagh “What a beautiful look into the future.” — Wagner “The absence of color emphasizes the striking architecture reminiscent of a futuristic cathedral.” — Pelafas

“We are very proud of the designed arches. The entire structure was manufactured in Canada and sent in 500 pieces. The arches are made of GRG (glass reinforced gypsum), which is a high-quality plaster mixed with glass fiber. It took very skilled craftsman to install these and then we finished with an acoustical plaster to ensure the sound levels stay at a minimum, even with the hairdryers and conversations going on. Lastly, the arches are painted with a matte white paint that makes it easy to wipe clean.”